Meteorological Models for Application to Acoustic Ray Tracing in the Atmosphere.
Abstract
Sound propagation in the atmosphere is affected by vertical temperature and wind gradients. These gradients produce a refracting medium in which sound speed is a function of height. A single sound speed profile as a function of height above the ground can be obtained from individual temperature and wind gradients via empirically derived equations or measured directly or indirectly with sounders. The temperature and wind effects can, therefore, be considered collectively, for acoustic purposes, as a variation of sound speed with height. A mathematical sound ranging model must effectively incorporate vertical sound velocity gradients. The computer programs developed to model sound propagation using ray techniques presented by Roth require as input either the vertical temperature and wind profiles or the vertical sound velocity profile. It is assumed that current meteorological vertical temperature and wind velocity profiles will be utilized in the sound propagation model. However, when current meteorological data are unavailable, models that have been developed to extend limited surface temperature and wind conditions vertically may be of value. This report presents several temperature and wind profile models and suggestions for their use. (Author)
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Apr 01, 1980
- Accession Number
- ADA108590
Entities
People
- Edward V. Welser
Organizations
- Pennsylvania State University